The 1000 best films ever made.

I have noticed a lot of best of lists are only 250 pictures. That low of a number leaves out all sorts of great and important films. This list will be capped at 1000 films. New finds will then replace less worthy existing entries.

I've watched a good deal of the most acclaimed films of all time, and seen pictures from most all of the celebrated directors. For me, these are the very best. It would be a much duller world if there were a calculable equation for the worth of a film. Don't let anyone tell you their opinion on art/entertainment is not subjective.

At the end of a brief note, is my rating with a decimal point to be more accurate. It helped me try to rank the films in order of importance to me. I hope readers will enjoy browsing this list, and even find some films to add to their Watchlist.

“ One could say there is foreshadowing of fascist tendencies in the harsh culture of this small, rural, very religious German village portrayed in the film. There is a lot of sub-text to this film, and it is beautifully shot. This is a flawless film. Un chef d'oeuvre!

“ I don't think you can say you're well versed in the art-house classics until you've seen this film. Hell, while we're talking Bergman must sees, "Wild Strawberries" and "Persona" also are in that club.

Dealing with the time of the black death one would expect a very difficult, heavy watch, but that's not all there is to The Seventh Seal. It's not an all serious 'pain and gnashing of teeth' type film like "Cries and Whispers" is. There are some very droll characters that bring a certain balance to the heavy moments and themes. Stunningly photographed by Gunnar Fischer, it is beginning to end chock-a-block with symbolism and iconic images (and hence has been much parodied over the years).

“ One of those films that's a real experience to behold. From the moment I saw it in the cinema, it's always been a favorite of mine. After seeing the documentary "Hearts of Darkness", and learning about what a tough time Coppola had making this film, it's a miracle that it came out so fantastic.

Having seen this film changed me in how broad my view of human behavior and the chaos of war was. The editing by Walter Murch is just incredible.

“ Wow, what a great film. An art house prison escape film that is a minimal masterwork!

I seem to be very split on Robert Bresson's films, but this one knocks it out of the park for me. Bresson's penchant for dour, unemotional dialogue delivery suits the circumstances of this scenario to a T. For me, that approach does not work in many of his other films.

“ This rather loose, playful film is a really good example of Godard's fun, his literary and philosophical references, and his extraordinary originality. It is a film noir, that very much paints outside the lines. For me, this is the very best Godard film.

To add a qualifier, there are plenty of highly acclaimed J-L Godard films that I do not care for. For me, he probably has about 5 great films.

“ The Dardenne's make a fantastic, stripped down cinéma vérité style film. They have a way of filming that makes one feel like an invisible camera is capturing a real situation as it unfolds. The edits are so natural, one does not even notice them. You may feel you don't know quite what the story is at first, and that is by design, you are in the hands of master film makers, and in due time all will be clear. This is of the most genuinely, realistic suspense films I've ever seen. To me, it is a perfect film.

“ The best cerebral, verbal relationship picture ever. It's a great Rohmer to watch first, to see if he's up your alley. There probably is no better film at revealing the gaps between what we think, what we say, and what we do.

“ Akira Kurosawa's best drama by a country mile. It is a very moral and moving film but Kurosawa doesn't over extend the moralizing like he did in so many of his other dramas (Ikiru, Ran, Kagemusha, Madadayo, etc.). This is a perfect film.

“ A dialogue heavy three hours and 15 minutes film will not be for everyone. I thought it was another excellent film from Ceylan, in fact his best yet. For me, this is a film for the ages, comparable to any masterwork I've ever seen. The medium just does not get any better.

The location is stunning. The interiors look like old masters works. I'd compare the film to Bergman's "Autumn Sonata" for having in depth dialogues about contentious issues in long standing relationships.

It's such a deep film, I could go on and on. See it twice if you can. There is so much to drink in, and a lot of subtext.

“ A minimal, arty, French version of 'Billy Budd' set in Africa. This is Claire Denis' best film. On first viewing, I thought it was excellent. I loved it even more the second time I saw it. It's got a tone-poem hypnotic quality, but retains a concrete story at the same time. That's quite a rare feat.

I own the New Yorker DVD, but I'd love for there to be a Blu-ray issued of this film, so I can see the visuals in their full splendor.

“ An incredible, moral film. An essential for sure. Every human should see this film.There were so many films from the 50's that IMO, moralized with too heavy a hand (Sweet Smell of Success, A Face in the Crowd etc.), but not this one. It's a perfect, compact, morality play.

“ The one Visconti film that really floats my boat. It's a great epic film that could be easily recommended for the beauty and magnificence of the ballroom scene alone. It is easily one of the best sequences in all of filmdom.

Claudia Cardinale and Alain Delon are just about the most beautiful couple ever seen on film. It is a very long film, so one may want to watch it over two sittings.

“ It's more an experience than just a film. When watching this for the first time, you just don't now where Q.T. will take you next. I just watched this again, probably for the 8th time, and it knocked me out yet again.

It has enough content for two great films. The dialogue is marvelous, and so is the music selection. The non-chronological structure also works beautifully for this film.

This is one of two truly great Tarantino films (Reservoir Dogs being the other (The Hateful Eight figures late in this list)). For me, almost all of his subsequent films have not measured up to his first two pictures.

“ This is widely considered to be the best Czechoslovakian film ever made. I'd up that to one of the best films ever made. Incredibly well shot, it's simply a magnificent film in every way. What a shame so few people in North America know Vlacil's work. It is a long film, so one could watch it in two sittings, since it is divided into two parts. That being said, I think you'll want to chow down on all of this big meal (2hr, 45 min.) once you're in it's grip.

Having just watched this film for the second time, it made me think of this having the grandness and drama of an opera, but for cinefiles (who don't like opera).

“ Another wonderful Bunuel film. There's simply something special about this film that transcends the material. Maybe it's Bunuel's surreal tendencies, or simply that he was a master filmmaker at the peak of his powers.

It deals with a masochist, who doesn't allow herself to ask her husband for what she really wants, so she tries to achieve it through a more curcuitous route.

“ One of Preston Sturges' best films, if not the best. What a charming romantic comedy! The writing, characters, and comedy are sharp as a razor. Stanwyck's character is extremely modern for the 40's. Love it!

“ One of, if not the best J.P. Melville films. Such a great, unsentimental look at La Resistance and their myriad challenges. It is certainly one of the best films of the 60's (the best decade film has ever had).

“ Mike Nichols' first film contains some of the best verbal jousting on film. An older couple host a young couple in their home after a party, and proceed to drag the young couple through the detritus strewn swamp of their long damaged relationship.

“ My favorite of the Terrence Malick films. It's such a sophisticated take on a 'young lovers on the run from the law' type of film. It is based on real events. It's also a kick to see Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek so young. What a first film!

“ Only for those with patience, who want films to be deep and sublime.

There are some very striking images, and a conclusion that is as great as any in filmdom. The one weak moment for me is the Stalker's wife's monologue near the beginning of the film. The rest is absolutely top notch.

“ For the 'Art House' crowd. It's a very creative film. A puzzle with no concrete solution. It plays with time in a way that some may not find easy to follow. I love this film, and prize it's creativity/originality.

It has a sort of hypnotic effect on me. I feel I'm floating through the same state of limbo the characters are in.

Three orphaned sisters under the custody of their stern aunt and their handicapped grandmother will have to acclimatise to the new conditions of their shared life, overcome life's constant impediments, and in the process, grow up. (105 mins.)

“ One could say this film takes the Franco regime, and distills it's mores into a single family's story. Like 'The White Ribbon' or 'Forbidden Games', it would take an essay to encapsulate this films merits, subtleties, and subtext. It's a truly great film, Saura's masterpiece.

“ There is a slow, deliberate pace to his films, but Tarkovsky was one of, if not THE deepest filmmaker.

Solaris gets richer and richer on repeat viewings. A wonderful, artistic film that never fails to fascinate me. Having seen all Tarkovsky's films, I'd add that I love the way he visually captures foliage, and nature in general in his films.

Would you rather live with a happy illusion, or the sad truth? What a profound question. It's one humankind deals with on a daily basis.

“ Fellini opened his head completely with this film, delving into his subconscious, hence it will always have a slight elusive quality to me.

Yes it's about a writer/director who has completed seven and a half films, and has writers block for his 8 1/2 film. He tries to fake his way along, mainly to keep his crew employed. When the film features flights of fancy, and dreams, that is where there are no easy concrete interpretations. Repeat viewings are recommended. Fascinating film!

“ It's a brilliant film that is both a character study of a type of narcissism, and a documenting of the early American oil rush. Old time religion also rears it's head.Great dissonant score by Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood, DDL is terrific, as usual, and it's a beautifully shot film as well. I think watching the trailer does give you a proper indication of what you'll get with the film.

A Victorian surgeon rescues a heavily disfigured man who is mistreated while scraping a living as a side-show freak. Behind his monstrous facade, there is revealed a person of intelligence and sensitivity. (124 mins.)

Mel Brooks produced this film, but kept his name out of the credits, just in case it lent an air of comedy expectation to the film. They were worried that the prosthesis that turned John Hurt into the Elephant Man might look silly, rather than convincing. They needn't have worried. It is utterly convincing. David Lynch's second feature film is excellent.

“ Prime Woody. A film from tip to tail that only he could have made. This is the "auteur" theory in action. Any five minutes of this film would be easily identified as Woody's work (and certainly one of his best).

“ I wondered how arty minimalist HHH would do a martial arts film. The answer is 85% art, 15% action.

This is a film to see twice. HHH doesn't clearly spell out who's who for you, that's just his way of constructing a film (he is a minimalist). I was guessing who characters were referring to a number of times during the film. As the end of the film approaches, things become fairly clear.

Why the sky-high rating?

You will see incredible beauty throughout the film. You will experience total cinema mastery. The very highest level of film making is on display throughout in the shooting, the editing, the score, and the acting.

There is also the understated, straightforward, (but excellent) fight scenes. I love that they do not drag on and on like in so many martial arts films. The costuming is very notable as well, utterly gorgeous stuff.

“ Probably the easiest 'classic' to recommend because it's so much fun. George C. Scott is wonderful as General "Buck" Turgidson. Sterling Hayden as Col. Ripper is amazing, and hilarious. Peter Sellers playing three different characters is a big part of this film's charm as well.

“ Yet another key 'nouvelle vague' film that is just a wonderful watch. It's style is very indicative of the non precious, playful, and innovative ways of so much of la nouvelle vague.

There certainly is the fact of Cleo waiting on medical test results and bracing for the worst that adds the depth to this film, but there is also often a breezy charm to this film (and the music of Michael LeGrand certainly contributes greatly to both feelings).

I just watched this film for the second time, and loved it even more than the first time.

“ The (bougeoise) threshold of true, modern adulthood is coupled with existential angst in this terrific film. This is Louis Malle at his best, and if you've seen lead actor Maurice Ronet in "Plein Soleil" (aka Purple Noon), you won't believe it's the same actor. He's profoundly different in this film.

“ Another Bergman master class. He retired from feature film making after this film. He still wrote screenplays, novels, and directed teleplays (such as the great "Saraband").

Like "8 1/2", Fanny and Alexander has inexplicable events that may be in Alexander's mind, or may be there to set an impressionist tone to the film. There is a theater influence that runs through this film, as Bergman was probably more involved in theater production through his life than he was in film making.

New York Film Critics Circle Award, Best Foreign Language Film, Best Director

“ A fantastic, very real feeling film by the Dardennes. Rosetta is a complex character that rings very true. The style of execution makes the film feel as if we are constantly trying to keep up with Rosetta as she desperately tries to find her way through a very challenging life.

I'd say it's a must see for those who love films that don't spoon feed the audience, and are not averse to seeing someone deal with a tough life circumstance. It's powerful stuff.

It was until recently, not out on home video in North America, being one of the only Palme D'Or winners to remain unreleased for more than a decade! When I talk film with people, 95% of them have never heard of the Dardenne brothers. Their tough, uncompromising films seem to be too gritty for most North American viewers.

A family heads to an isolated hotel for the winter where an evil and spiritual presence influences the father into violence, while his psychic son sees horrific forebodings from the past and of the future. (146 mins.)

“ A must. One of the essentials. See it on Blu-ray if you can. It looks wonderful. It's great that Hitch was able, out of his 53 films, to make so many that we continue to cherish. He must have at least 6 that are incredible, another 6 that are quite excellent, and a dozen others that are a very fun watch over and over again.

A private eye escapes his past to run a gas station in a small town, but his past catches up with him. Now he must return to the big city world of danger, corruption, double crosses and duplicitous dames. (97 mins.)

“ One of the best film noirs. I feel this film doesn't get the respect it deserves and am completely puzzled as to why. There are so many merits to this film. The house of mirrors scene alone! IMO, this film is very high in Welles' filmography.

A mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran works as a night-time taxi driver in New York City where the perceived decadence and sleaze feeds his urge for violent action, while attempting to save a preadolescent prostitute in the process. (113 mins.)

“ It's gorgeous to look at, has a lot of police procedure, and chit-chat banality to it (reminding me of the very interesting film "Police, Adjective").

In this film the banalities do three very important things. They help you get to know the main characters, add to the realism of the picture, and they set a contrasting base line for the truly sublime moments of the film (that come up several times).

It's a low information film, hence I only recommend it for the art-house film lovers.

In the midst of a civil war, former violinists Jan and Eva Rosenberg, who have a tempestuous marriage, run a farm on a rural island. In spite of their best efforts to escape their homeland, the war impinges on every aspect of their lives. (103 mins.)

After a car wreck on the winding Mulholland Drive renders a woman amnesiac, she and a perky Hollywood-hopeful search for clues and answers across Los Angeles in a twisting venture beyond dreams and reality. (147 mins.)

“ It is decipherable, but even if it wasn't, what a film! It is certainly up with Lynch's best films, if not his best. It is a must see. We are lucky to have David Lynch, and his unique creepy, dark, viewpoint.

“ It's a wonder this is such a mainstream classic considering the arty start and end. I'd think a lot of people would be put off by that fact. Must be the HAL 9000 that keeps folks coming back for more.

I remember Woody Allen doing an appreciation for this film. He said it took multiple viewings for him to get the fuss his friends were making about this film, but once he did, he considered Kubrick to be on a much higher plain than himself.

“ One of the very best Coen brothers films. They took a very pat scenario (finding the loot from a drug deal gone bad) and turned it into something profound. I haven't read the book. I'm sure it's some rich source material.

I remember one review saying that Javier Bardem's character could be seen as death incarnate. I thought that was a great observation.

“ This is a tough, grim film, beautiful photographed by Roger Deakins.The score by Jóhann Jóhannsson is fantastic, full of dark foreboding ambient creep that completely serves the feeling of this film.

Blunt, Brolin and especially del Toro, are all excellent in their roles. The suspense achieved by the wonderful Denis Villeneuve may be the best captured on film. This is a perfect thriller, wrapped in the reality of the WAR ON DRUGS.

“ One of the best psych-horrors ever. I don't ever hear it talked about. What a shame. Maybe it's the fact that Polanski has so many other successful pictures that got much more exposure than Repulsion. Perhaps people think they've seen it, but are mixing it up with films of a similar name like Compulsion, or Suspicion?

I also wondered as I watched it if Cronenberg and Lynch were influenced by this picture. At times I feel it presages elements of both directors.

“ No one does a bliss state like Malick does. I loved this film, especially the second half. I moved me emotionally like few films ever have. The lead actress is phenomenal in the Pocahontas/Rebecca role.

I'm surprised that this film has such a low rating on IMDb, but I do remember talking to several people who didn't like this film when it came out. Malick's reflective, poetic style just isn't for everyone.

Georges and Anne are an octogenarian couple. They are cultivated, retired music teachers. Their daughter, also a musician, lives in Britain with her family. One day, Anne has a stroke, and the couple's bond of love is severely tested. (127 mins.)

“ Another excellent Haneke film. Not for the impatient viewer, but those of us who like spare films will be amply rewarded. I can't remember who said this but "There is no such thing as love, only acts of love". That could be the long title of this film.

If you don't like to have to think about why a character does what he does (I refer to the ending of this picture), this film is not for you.If you love elegant, stylish, understated crime films, this is about the best one ever made. There has never been a more handsome and cool male actor than Alain Delon in this film.

“ Probably the most personal, stylized, and most fetishistic Hitchcock film. It is now widely considered the best film ever made, but flopped when it came out.

Hitchcock actually withdrew the film from circulation. It was unavailable for decades. He was probably hurt that his most personal film was spurned by his adoring public. The film grew in the mind of many of those who'd seen it, as time passed and there was no possible way of re-seeing "Vertigo".

“ Do you want to be charmed like you've never been charmed before? This is the film. I love the Michel Legrand music as well. That song that Anouk Aimée sings at her work..."Cest moi...Lola", it's just killer. Hell, every minute of Anouk Aimée for that matter.

Keep in mind the film budget was small for this early nouvelle vague picture, so all the sound was done in post-production. If you love this picture like I do, check out Agnes Varda's "Cléo from 5 to 7". They occupy the same mental space for me as two of the most glorious, lighter nouvelle vague films, both with superb Michel Legrand songs featuring the same quality and charm as those in the (rightly) hugely celebrated J.L. Godard film "Pierrot Le Fou".

A woman returning home falls asleep and has vivid dreams that may or may not be happening in reality. Through repetitive images and complete mismatching of the objective view of time and space, her dark inner desires play out on-screen. (14 mins.)

“ What great style this film has. I could watch this film twice a year for the rest of my life. It has an homage to the great french pictures of the past such as "Port of Shadows" and other poetic realism films. My only criticism was, IMO, a somewhat over-baked ending , but in the interview with the director in the booklet, Karismaki points out that he absolutely wanted to push things past "normal" with the end. Keep that in mind, and you'll love it. And how cool is that Little Bob song?

“ Hard to sum up how much this film offers to it's subject matter. Maurice Pialat is under-appreciated in my books. He was a post-new wave master, and was called the french John Cassavetes. Try Pialat if you like the Dardenne's films.

“ An excellent Bergman film to start with. Don't let the cover fool you (Criterion usually does a great job, but they chose the wrong image to promote this film), it's a very sexy and charming battle of the sexes type film, with some Bergman depth around the edges.

“ This made me love Terrence Stamp. It's an art house revenge film that's heavily influenced by John Boorman's 1967 film 'Point Blank'. Some may find it a bit confusing that flash-forwards are used as well as flash-backs. Me, I just love every aspect of this film.

“ Well, I was more and more impressed with this film as it progressed. It's quite an enigmatic film in the second half, and in this film's case, that couldn't be a better thing.

Being the third Weerasethakul film I've seen, I'm so taken with his uniqueness. He is a must see, but certainly won't be everyone's cup of tea. See it if you prize originality and think you'd like the 'tone poem' feel Weerasethakul gives you in the second half of his films.

“ An excellent first Fellini film to see. By the end I have such an incredibly complex suite of emotions, it is beyond description what I am feeling. That is a very rare feat that only "Red Desert", and the series "Mad Men" have equaled.

“ The new master of suspense for the art-house crowd. There is a once banalized, now shocking historical event interwoven into the story of this film. It gives tremendous depth, and social relevance to this excellent suspense film.

When you add up his last three films (Cache, The White Ribbon, and Amour), Haneke is quite possibly the director making the very best films these days. Ceylan & Farhadi are also right near the top for me these days.